Generalizes on the best strategy to enter the market, e.g., visiting the country; importance of relationships to finding a good partner; use of agents.

Companies seeking to enter the Azerbaijani market should strongly consider identifying a local partner.  Business is largely relationship-driven and a premium is placed on face-to-face interaction.  Furthermore, having a local presence on the ground can secure business opportunities that could otherwise go to a competitor, help manage important relationships with government entities, and minimize confusion due to language or cultural differences. 

U.S. companies frequently report frustration when dealing with Azerbaijani partners due to delayed responses.  It is not unusual for weeks to go by without emails and phone calls being answered.

The U.S. Embassy’s Commercial Section can help identify potential in-country partners and facilitate communication.
 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.